The investigation into racism allegations levelled against Hawthorn will include mediation if needed and the AFL is projecting it will end in December.
The investigation's report will be made public and initial statements are due on November 4.
If the investigation finds anyone should be subject to a discipline process, that would be a separate process under AFL rules.
Terms of reference for the investigation were released by the AFL on Thursday, with senior lawyer Bernard Quinn KC appointed on October 4 to lead the four-person panel.
The inquiry was commissioned after bombshell allegations of racism and other inappropriate behaviour at Hawthorn between 2008-16.
New North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson, who led Hawthorn to four premierships, and Brisbane coach Chris Fagan have stood down from their roles because of the allegations.
The AFL said the terms of reference and process plan confirmed everyone involved in the inquiry will be able to share their perspectives, hear the perspectives of other participants and respond.
"The investigation has adopted stated principles relevant to the interaction between the investigation panel and First Nations persons and participants to ensure that the inquiry is conducted in a culturally safe, secure and respectful manner," the AFL said in a statement.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, who was to front a media doorstop on Thursday afternoon, said it is important the investigation is independent and it has due process and natural justice.
"We have listened to the feedback and taken further steps to ensure the panel has independence from the AFL and therefore there have been a number of additional protections added, including the investigation panel having the ability to retain their own law firm, exercising control over release of the final report and being able to retain their own subject matter experts," he said.
"This matter was brought to the AFL by Hawthorn at the request of the families.
"We encourage those affected to take part so the panel can get to the bottom of the allegations with due process and natural justice to those who have made claims and those against whom allegations have been made.
"While we still do not know the identities of the persons/families who have recalled their accounts within the Hawthorn review, or with the journalist who published those accounts, we encourage their legal representatives to engage in the process as soon as possible."
